Knitting Tutorial: Bernese Mountain Dog Gardener Doll – Free Knitting Pattern.

This cheerful knit Bernese Mountain Dog gardener doll has a rounded puppy head, floppy black ears, glossy eyes, a white blaze, rust face patches, and a soft black, rust, and white body. The outfit includes a mustard short-sleeve shirt, blue-and-cream striped overalls, tiny buttons, carrot and bee embroidery, a crossbody flower pouch, cream shoes with strawberries, a sunflower hair clip, a straw garden hat, a watering can, and a small potted sprout.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written for working small pieces in the round on double-pointed needles or magic loop. Most doll pieces use tight stockinette fabric so the stuffing stays smooth and the shape looks rounded like the reference doll.

The finished doll is designed to sit upright with the legs hanging over a shelf or table edge. The body is gently stuffed but not stiff, while the head is stuffed firmly to hold the rounded Bernese puppy face.

• Finished doll height: about 13 in from top of head to bottom of shoes.
• Sitting height: about 10 in from bottom to top of head.
• Head width: about 4.75 in across the cheeks.
• Body width: about 3.5 in across the overalls.
• Leg length: about 5.5 in from hip to shoe sole.
• Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.
• Main methods: knitting in the round, simple shaping, color changes, mattress stitch, duplicate stitch, embroidery, and small-piece assembly.

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn: black, warm rust brown, cream white, mustard yellow, denim blue, oatmeal beige, straw tan, gray, terracotta, leaf green, red, yellow, dark brown, and small amounts of pale blue and white.
• Needles: US 4 or 3.5 mm double-pointed needles or long circular needle for magic loop.
• Optional smaller needles: US 3 or 3.25 mm for straps, bag, and appliques.
• Safety eyes: two 10 mm glossy black eyes with brown or clear rims, or embroidered eyes for a child-safe version.
• Safety nose: one 15 mm black oval dog nose, or a knitted and embroidered nose option included below.
• Buttons: two tiny tan buttons for the overall bib.
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
• Tapestry needle: for seaming and embroidery.
• Stitch markers: one marker for beginning of round and several removable markers.
• Embroidery floss: black for mouth, white for eye highlights, red and white for strawberries, yellow and brown for sunflower, and green for leaves.
• Optional: pipe cleaner or soft armature for the watering can handle only, not for the doll body if gifting to a child.

Gauge

Work at a firm toy gauge. The sample uses about 6 stitches and 8 rounds per 1 in in stockinette on US 4 needles. Exact gauge is less important than creating a dense fabric with no visible stuffing between stitches.

• If your fabric shows gaps, go down one needle size.
• If the doll feels too stiff to shape, go up one needle size.
• Keep all parts consistent by using the same needle size for the head, body, limbs, and ears.

Abbreviations

• BO: bind off.
• CO: cast on.
• dec: decrease.
• inc: increase.
• k: knit.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch.
• p: purl.
• pm: place marker.
• rem: remaining.
• rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• sl: slip.
• ssk: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together.
• st or sts: stitch or stitches.
• WS: wrong side.

Construction Notes

The dog is made from separate knitted parts. The head, body, arms, legs, ears, muzzle, overalls, shirt sleeves, shoes, bag, hat, flower, watering can, and pot are knitted separately and sewn together.

For the cleanest Bernese face, knit the head mostly in black and add the white blaze, cream muzzle, and rust patches as separate shaped pieces. This gives strong color lines like the image and avoids complicated stranded shaping on a tiny round head.

• Stuffing rule: stuff small amounts at a time to prevent lumps.
• Seaming rule: use matching yarn whenever possible.
• Face rule: place all features before final sewing so the expression stays centered.
• Sitting rule: do not overstuff the hip area; the doll should bend at the lower body.

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Main Head in Black

The head is large, round, and slightly puppy-like, wider at the cheeks than at the neck. Work in black yarn in the round.

1. CO 8 sts. Divide over needles and join in the round. Place marker for beginning of rnd.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 6: k2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts. 32 sts.
9. Rnd 8: k3, kfb; repeat around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts. 40 sts.
11. Rnd 10: k4, kfb; repeat around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: k all sts. 48 sts.
13. Rnd 12: k5, kfb; repeat around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13-25: k all sts for 13 rnds. 56 sts.
15. Rnd 26: k5, k2tog; repeat around. 48 sts.
16. Rnds 27-28: k all sts. 48 sts.
17. Rnd 29: k4, k2tog; repeat around. 40 sts.
18. Rnd 30: k all sts. 40 sts.
19. Rnd 31: k3, k2tog; repeat around. 32 sts.
20. Rnd 32: k all sts. 32 sts.

Pause here. Insert safety eyes later after the white blaze and rust patches are pinned. Begin stuffing the head firmly, especially around the crown and cheeks. Leave the lower opening workable.

1. Rnd 33: k2, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 34: k all sts. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 35: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 36: k2tog around. 8 sts.
5. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread through rem sts, pull snug, but do not close too tightly until neck placement is checked.

White Face Blaze

The white blaze is a long vertical piece from the forehead down to the nose bridge. It should be narrow at the top, wider through the center, and taper softly near the muzzle.

Work flat in cream white yarn.

1. CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1, RS: k all sts. 5 sts.
3. Row 2, WS: p all sts. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: k1, kfb, k1, kfb, k1. 7 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts. 7 sts.
6. Row 5: k2, kfb, k1, kfb, k2. 9 sts.
7. Rows 6-14: work stockinette, beginning with a p row. 9 sts.
8. Row 15: k2tog, k5, ssk. 7 sts.
9. Row 16: p all sts. 7 sts.
10. Row 17: k2tog, k3, ssk. 5 sts.
11. Row 18: p all sts. 5 sts.
12. Row 19: k2tog, k1, ssk. 3 sts.
13. Row 20: p all sts. 3 sts.
14. BO all sts.

Block lightly with steam from a distance. Pin the blaze from the upper forehead to the center of the face. The lower point should sit directly above the muzzle, not under the nose.

Rust Cheek and Brow Patches

The Bernese markings are warm rust brown. The image shows rust patches above both eyes and along both cheeks beside the white muzzle.

Make 2 Brow Patches

1. CO 5 sts in rust brown.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
5. Rows 4-6: work stockinette. 7 sts.
6. Row 7: k2tog, k3, ssk. 5 sts.
7. BO all sts.

Make 2 Cheek Patches

1. CO 6 sts in rust brown.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. 8 sts.
5. Rows 4-10: work stockinette. 8 sts.
6. Row 11: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
7. Row 12: p all sts. 6 sts.
8. BO all sts.

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Pin the brow patches over the eye line at a slight diagonal. Pin the cheek patches under the eyes and beside the muzzle. Sew with small whip stitches using rust yarn.

Rounded Cream Muzzle

The muzzle is a separate cream oval that sits forward from the face. It gives the dog the soft snout shape shown in the image.

1. CO 8 sts in cream white and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: k all sts. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 9: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 16 sts.
8. Rnd 10: k all sts. 16 sts.
9. BO loosely, leaving a long sewing tail.

Stuff the muzzle lightly. It should be domed, not hard. Sew it centered over the lower face so the top edge slightly overlaps the bottom of the white blaze.

Nose and Mouth

For the closest look to the image, use a shiny black safety nose. Insert it through the upper center of the cream muzzle before the muzzle is fully sewn down.

For a fully knitted nose, use black yarn and work as follows.

1. CO 6 sts in black and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 6 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts. 12 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k2tog around. 6 sts.
6. Cut yarn, draw through sts, and flatten into an oval.
7. Sew to the top front of the muzzle.

Use black embroidery floss to stitch a short vertical line from the nose downward. Add a small curved smile on each side. Keep the mouth simple and gentle.

Eyes

The eyes sit on the black face area with rust patches around them. Place them about 8 sts apart, slightly above the top of the muzzle. The expression should be sweet and curious.

• Place the first eye between head rnds 20 and 21.
• Place the second eye between head rnds 20 and 21.
• Keep each eye about 3 sts away from the white blaze.
• Add one small white duplicate stitch or embroidery stitch beside each eye for a glossy highlight.

Floppy Black Ears

The ears are long, rounded, and floppy. They hang from the side of the head and curve slightly inward near the cheek.

Make 2 in black. Work flat.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
7. Rows 6-22: work stockinette. 14 sts.
8. Row 23: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
9. Row 24: p all sts.
10. Row 25: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
11. Row 26: p all sts.
12. Row 27: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
13. Row 28: p all sts.
14. Row 29: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
15. Row 30: p all sts.
16. Row 31: k2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
17. BO all sts.

Make the second ear the same. Fold each ear slightly lengthwise and sew the top cast-on edge to the head between rnds 13 and 18. Let the rounded end hang beside the cheek.

Body Core

The body is shorter than the head and lightly pear-shaped. It will be mostly covered by the mustard shirt and striped overalls, but the shoulder and hip structure keeps the outfit sitting naturally.

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Use black yarn for the upper body base. Work in the round.

1. CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k3, kfb; repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts. 30 sts.
7. Rnd 6: k4, kfb; repeat around. 36 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts. 36 sts.
9. Rnd 8: k5, kfb; repeat around. 42 sts.
10. Rnds 9-22: k all sts. 42 sts.
11. Rnd 23: k5, k2tog; repeat around. 36 sts.
12. Rnd 24: k all sts. 36 sts.
13. Rnd 25: k4, k2tog; repeat around. 30 sts.
14. Rnd 26: k all sts. 30 sts.
15. Rnd 27: k3, k2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
16. Rnd 28: k all sts. 24 sts.
17. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for attaching the head.

Stuff the body firmly at the shoulders and gently at the lower belly. The lower body should remain slightly flexible so the doll sits.

Mustard Shirt Torso

The mustard shirt peeks out at the shoulders, sleeves, and neckline. It is knitted as a short pullover layer that wraps the top body.

Work flat in mustard yellow.

1. CO 44 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: k all sts for garter edge.
3. Row 5: k all sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. Rows 7-16: continue stockinette. 44 sts.
6. Row 17: k8, BO 6 sts, k16, BO 6 sts, k8. This creates arm openings.
7. Row 18: p8, CO 6 sts over gap, p16, CO 6 sts over gap, p8. 44 sts.
8. Rows 19-22: stockinette. 44 sts.
9. Rows 23-26: k all sts for neck rib look in garter stitch.
10. BO all sts.

Wrap the shirt around the body with the seam at the back. Sew the back seam. The neck edge should sit just under the head.

Short Mustard Sleeves

Make 2 sleeves. They are short, soft, and slightly flared like the image.

1. CO 18 sts in mustard yellow and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: k1, p1 rib around.
3. Rnds 4-10: k all sts.
4. Rnd 11: k all sts, increasing 2 sts evenly. 20 sts.
5. Rnd 12: p all sts for a subtle sleeve edge.
6. BO loosely.

Slide each sleeve over the top of an arm before attaching the arm to the body. Sew the sleeve top to the shirt arm opening.

Arms

The arms have black upper sections, rust middle sections, and cream paws. They hang at the sides, slightly forward.

Make 2 in the round.

1. With cream white, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-7: k all sts. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 8: k2, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
6. Change to rust brown.
7. Rnds 9-16: k all sts. 12 sts.
8. Change to black.
9. Rnds 17-24: k all sts. 12 sts.
10. Stuff the paw and lower arm lightly.
11. Rnd 25: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 8 sts.
12. Cut yarn and draw through rem sts.

Thread a needle with black yarn and make two tiny shaping stitches across the cream paw to suggest rounded toes. Do not pull too tightly.

Legs

The legs show the Bernese color sequence below the shorts: black near the shorts, rust brown down the calf, and cream near the ankle before the shoes.

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Make 2 in the round.

1. With cream white, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: k all sts. 10 sts.
3. Change to rust brown.
4. Rnds 6-20: k all sts. 10 sts.
5. Change to black.
6. Rnds 21-27: k all sts. 10 sts.
7. Stuff lightly from the bottom upward.
8. BO all sts, leaving a long tail for sewing to the body.

Keep the legs slim. The overalls shorts will cover the top black portion, leaving the rust and cream sections visible below.

Blue and Cream Striped Overalls

The overalls are the main outfit detail. They are denim blue with narrow cream stripes, a front bib, shorts legs, shoulder straps, and small tan buttons.

Overall Shorts Body

Work the shorts as one piece from the waist down. Use denim blue and cream.

1. With denim blue, CO 48 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 48 sts.
3. Rnd 2: p all sts for waistband ridge. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts in denim blue.
5. Rnd 4: k all sts in cream.
6. Rnds 5-6: k all sts in denim blue.
7. Rnd 7: k all sts in cream.
8. Rnds 8-9: k all sts in denim blue.
9. Rnd 10: k all sts in cream.
10. Rnds 11-12: k all sts in denim blue.
11. Rnd 13: k24 sts, place next 24 sts on waste yarn for second leg.

First Shorts Leg

1. Work first 24 sts in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts in cream.
3. Rnds 2-3: k all sts in denim blue.
4. Rnd 4: k all sts in cream.
5. Rnds 5-6: k all sts in denim blue.
6. Rnd 7: k all sts in cream.
7. Rnd 8: k all sts in denim blue.
8. Rnd 9: p all sts in cream for hem ridge.
9. BO loosely in denim blue.

Second Shorts Leg

1. Return held 24 sts to needles.
2. Join denim blue at inner leg.
3. Repeat the first shorts leg instructions.

Sew the small inner crotch gap closed. Pull the shorts over the body from the bottom before attaching the legs, or sew them in place after the body is stuffed if easier.

Overall Bib

The front bib is rectangular and sits over the mustard shirt. Work flat in denim blue with cream stripes.

1. CO 22 sts in denim blue.
2. Rows 1-2: k all sts in denim blue.
3. Row 3: k all sts in cream.
4. Row 4: p all sts in cream.
5. Rows 5-8: stockinette in denim blue.
6. Rows 9-10: stockinette in cream.
7. Rows 11-16: stockinette in denim blue.
8. Rows 17-18: stockinette in cream.
9. Rows 19-22: stockinette in denim blue.
10. BO all sts.

Sew the lower edge of the bib to the front waistband. Sew only the lower and side edges so it lies flat against the shirt.

Shoulder Straps

Make 2 straps in denim blue.

1. CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-42: k all sts for garter stitch strap.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the back ends to the rear waistband. Cross them slightly over the shoulders or keep them straight, then sew the front ends to the bib. Add one small tan button at each front strap end.

Overall Embroidery Details

The image shows tiny garden motifs on the overalls: a carrot on the bib, green leaves, and a small bee patch on the right side.

Carrot Motif

1. Using orange yarn or floss, make 5 duplicate stitches in a tapered carrot shape on the bib center.
2. Make the top 3 sts wide, the middle 2 sts wide, and the bottom 1 st wide.
3. Use green floss to stitch three small leaf lines above the carrot.

Bee Motif

1. Using yellow floss, stitch a small oval on the right side of the bib or upper shorts.
2. Add two black horizontal stripes across the oval.
3. Add two tiny pale blue wing stitches above the bee.
4. Add one small black stitch for the face.

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Shoes

The shoes are cream with oatmeal beige soles and straps. Each shoe has a little red strawberry detail on top, matching the garden theme.

Make 2 shoe bases.

1. With oatmeal beige, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts. 10 sts.
6. Row 5: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
7. Rows 6-10: stockinette. 12 sts.
8. Row 11: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
9. Row 12: p all sts. 10 sts.
10. Row 13: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
11. BO all sts.

Make 2 cream shoe uppers.

1. With cream white, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: k all sts. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 4: k7, k2tog twice, k7. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 5: k all sts. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 6: k6, k2tog twice, k6. 14 sts.
6. Rnd 7: k all sts. 14 sts.
7. BO loosely.

Sew each cream upper to an oatmeal sole. Leave a small opening at the top for the foot. Slide the shoe onto the cream ankle and stitch securely.

Shoe Straps and Strawberry

1. For each strap, CO 4 sts in oatmeal beige.
2. Knit 18 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO and sew the strap across the top of the shoe.
4. For each strawberry, use red floss to make a small heart-shaped cluster of 5 stitches.
5. Add two tiny white seed stitches and one green leaf stitch at the top.

Crossbody Flower Pouch

The pouch is oatmeal beige and hangs from a diagonal strap across the overalls. It has a flap with a small red flower and green leaves.

Pouch Body

1. CO 14 sts in oatmeal beige.
2. Rows 1-4: k all sts.
3. Rows 5-16: stockinette, beginning with a k row.
4. Rows 17-20: k all sts.
5. BO all sts.

Fold the lower edge up to form a pocket about 1.5 in deep. Sew both side seams. Fold the upper garter section down as the flap.

Pouch Flower

1. With dark red or burgundy yarn, make 5 small lazy-daisy embroidery petals on the flap.
2. Add a yellow French knot or small straight stitch in the center.
3. Use green floss to stitch two leaves below the flower.
4. Add two tiny orange stitches near the lower pouch corners to match the garden colors.

Crossbody Strap

1. CO 3 sts in oatmeal beige.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures about 11 in.
3. BO all sts.
4. Sew one end to the upper left back of the pouch and the other end to the upper right back.

Place the pouch on the doll’s front left side. Bring the strap diagonally from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Tack the strap lightly at the shoulder and side so it stays in place.

Sunflower Hair Clip

The sunflower sits near the top left side of the head beside one ear. It has yellow petals, a brown center, and a small green leaf.

Flower Center

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all sts. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k2tog around. 6 sts.
5. Cut yarn and draw through rem sts.

Petals

Make 10 small yellow petals.

1. CO 3 sts in yellow.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: k2tog, k1, ssk. 3 sts.
7. BO all sts.

Sew the petals around the brown center. Add one green leaf behind the flower by casting on 4 sts, knitting 4 rows, then decreasing to a point. Sew the finished sunflower to the top left of the head.

Straw Garden Hat

The hat is a separate accessory placed beside the doll in the image. It has a flat crown, wide brim, and floral ribbon. Knit it in straw tan.

Hat Crown

1. CO 8 sts in straw tan and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb; repeat around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k all sts. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb; repeat around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 6: k all sts. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k3, kfb; repeat around. 40 sts.
9. Rnds 8-15: k all sts. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 16: p all sts for brim fold ridge.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 17: k1, kfb; repeat around. 60 sts.
2. Rnd 18: k all sts. 60 sts.
3. Rnd 19: k2, kfb; repeat around. 80 sts.
4. Rnds 20-24: k all sts. 80 sts.
5. Rnd 25: p all sts for textured edge.
6. BO loosely.

Weave in ends and flatten the brim with gentle steam. For the floral ribbon, knit a thin band or use embroidery around the crown.

Floral Hat Band

1. CO 4 sts in cream or pale ribbon color.
2. Knit every row until the band fits around the hat crown.
3. BO and sew around the crown base.
4. Embroider tiny pink, red, blue, and yellow flowers along the band.
5. Add green leaf stitches between the flowers.

Watering Can

The small watering can in the image is gray and sits near the doll. It is knitted as a simple miniature garden prop.

Can Body

1. With gray yarn, CO 16 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-2: p all sts for lower ridge.
3. Rnds 3-10: k all sts. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 11: p all sts for upper ridge.
5. Rnd 12: k2tog around. 8 sts.
6. Cut yarn and draw through rem sts.

Stuff the can lightly before closing. Flatten the base gently so it can stand.

Spout

1. CO 6 sts in gray and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-8: k all sts. 6 sts.
3. BO all sts.
4. Stuff with a tiny twist of yarn only if needed.
5. Sew to the side of the can at an upward angle.

Handle

1. CO 4 sts in gray.
2. Knit every row for 18 rows.
3. BO all sts.
4. Curve into a handle and sew both ends to the opposite side of the can.

For the top handle, knit another 4-st garter strip for 12 rows and sew it over the top of the can.

Potted Sprout

The potted sprout is terracotta with a green plant. It is a small accessory that completes the gardener theme.

Pot

1. With terracotta yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: p all sts. 18 sts.
3. Rnds 2-6: k all sts. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 7: k1, k2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
5. Rnd 8: k all sts. 12 sts.
6. Rnd 9: k2tog around. 6 sts.
7. Cut yarn and draw through rem sts.

Stuff the pot lightly. Add a dark brown circle on top for soil by knitting the small soil piece below.

Soil Circle

1. CO 6 sts in dark brown and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, kfb; repeat around. 18 sts.
4. BO all sts.
5. Sew to the top of the pot.

Sprout Leaves

Make 3 small leaves in green.

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: k2tog, k1, ssk. 3 sts.
7. Row 6: p all sts.
8. Row 7: sl1, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
9. Fasten off.

Sew the leaves upright into the soil circle. Place them close together so the plant looks like a tiny sprout.

Joining the Doll

Before final assembly, lay all pieces on a flat surface. Check that the head is larger than the body, the ears hang evenly, the overalls sit straight, and the legs are long enough to dangle naturally.

1. Sew the legs to the lower front of the body, spacing them about 6 sts apart.
2. Angle the legs slightly forward so the doll can sit.
3. Pull the overalls shorts over the hips and arrange the striped legs evenly.
4. Sew the overalls waistband to the body in a few hidden spots.
5. Place the mustard shirt around the upper body and seam it at the back.
6. Insert each arm through a sleeve and sew the arm top to the shoulder.
7. Sew the sleeves to the shirt arm openings.
8. Attach the head to the neck opening with strong circular stitches.
9. Check the face direction before tightening the final seam.
10. Sew the pouch strap across the body and tack the pouch to the front.
11. Sew the sunflower near the upper left ear.
12. Place shoes on the feet and stitch them securely.

Facial Color Placement Guide

The Bernese Mountain Dog look depends on balanced markings. The black head is the main color. The white blaze runs down the center. The rust patches frame the eyes and cheeks, while the cream muzzle sits forward.

• White blaze: centered from crown front to muzzle top.
• Rust brows: placed above the eyes, angled slightly upward toward the ears.
• Rust cheeks: placed below the eyes and beside the muzzle.
• Black ears: attached at the side crown and hanging down to the cheek line.
• Eyes: placed symmetrically on either side of the blaze.
• Nose: centered on the upper muzzle.
• Mouth: small and soft, not too wide.

Optional Tail

The tail is mostly hidden in the image, but a small Bernese tail can be added at the back if desired.

1. With black yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-10: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Change to cream white.
4. Rnds 11-13: k all sts. 8 sts.
5. Cut yarn and draw through rem sts.
6. Stuff lightly and sew to the back body below the overalls waistband.

Curve the tail gently to one side. Do not make it too long, because the doll should sit neatly against a chair, shelf, or display surface.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Give the finished doll a careful final check. The head should sit upright, the ears should hang evenly, and the overalls should not twist. Add small securing stitches where straps, pouch, sleeves, and shoes need extra stability.

• Use black floss to refine the mouth after the muzzle is fully attached.
• Add white eye highlights only after the eyes are locked in place.
• Brush the sunflower petals into a circle with your fingers.
• Shape the shoes so the strawberry decorations face forward.
• Place the hat, watering can, and potted sprout beside the doll for the full gardener display.

Care Notes

This doll is best used as a decorative handmade toy. If using safety eyes or a safety nose, check that they are fully locked before gifting. For very young children, embroider the eyes and nose instead.

• Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if the doll includes safety eyes, buttons, or tiny accessories.
• Let the doll air dry completely before storing.
• Keep the hat brim flat while drying.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly stuffed and smoothly rounded.
• The white blaze is centered.
• The rust patches are balanced on both sides.
• The ears hang at the same height.
• The mustard sleeves cover the arm tops.
• The striped overalls sit evenly at the waist.
• The straps are attached with two small buttons.
• The carrot, bee, pouch flower, and shoe strawberries are visible.
• The sunflower is secured near the ear.
• The garden hat, watering can, and potted sprout are complete.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished Bernese Mountain Dog gardener doll away from direct sunlight to protect the black, rust, denim, and mustard yarn colors. Keep it in a breathable cotton bag or on an open shelf where air can circulate.

If dust collects on the doll, use a soft dry brush and gently sweep in the direction of the knit stitches. Avoid pulling on embroidered details, buttons, straps, or the sunflower.

For long-term display, support the doll in a sitting position so the legs hang naturally. Keep the small garden props nearby in a shallow tray or box when not in use, so the watering can, hat, and potted sprout are not misplaced.